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Self-quarantine, a voluntary separation from those we love the most. “We are asking our patients who we believe may have been exposed to the virus to avoid “close contact” with others to prevent the spread of disease. People are put in quarantine when they are not currently sick, but have been or may have been exposed to Coronavirus disease. This can help stop the spread of the disease,” explains Sheldon Chaffer, MD, Coryell Health Nephrologist, Vice Chief of Staff and Dialysis Center Medical Director.

What exactly is “close contact?”

It’s defined as being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of someone with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time. That includes if you are living with, visiting or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with someone with COVID-19. Or if you have been coughed on by someone with the disease. “Doctors who intubate patients can get a higher number of virus particles, increasing the severity of the disease. The closer you are, the more particles you are exposed to, the worse symptoms you can have, resulting in more severe disease to those infected. Patients who have diabetes alone will have more problems, that is why we, at Coryell Health, are following all patients we have identified as being possibly infected,” says Chaffer.

Could it really be deadly for the young and healthy?

Some citizens may be more vulnerable, but this a brand new strain. “This is a new virus that none of us have any immunity to and that fact is important. When we had H1N1 sweep the nation in 2009, that was a huge problem, but some of us had immunity. COVID-19 is so new that how an individual will respond is unpredictable. We need to slow it down so we can manage it. If you’re one of the individuals that are severely affected, you will need an ICU bed,” adds Chaffer. “Most of the time if you have the virus you do just fine with fluids and over the counter meds to keep your fever down and relieve your symptoms. This Coronavirus is a new strain of a virus that none of us are immune to, so everyone is at risk.”

Do I have to quarantine when advised to do so by medical staff?

“If you get asked to quarantine, we are protecting you and others because we suspect that you may have the virus and could infect others. We support the measured responses of our local, state and federal governments to isolate in place, maintain social distancing, and to limit our travel to the best of our ability. So far the City of Gatesville Coryell County has not issued a “shelter in place” directive at the current time, but if more individuals do not voluntarily take measures, the disease will spread.” Coryell staff will be in regular contact with any patients suspected of having the virus.

Quarantines may be used during: 

• Outbreaks: When there’s a sudden rise in the number of cases of a disease.
• Epidemics: Similar to outbreaks, but generally considered larger and more widespread.
• Pandemics: Larger than epidemics, generally global in nature and affect more people.

What’s the difference between isolation and quarantine?

While isolation serves the same purpose as quarantine, it’s reserved for those who are already sick. It keeps infected people away from healthy people to prevent the sickness from spreading.

Don’t let your health decline while self-quarantine, call Coryell Health Medical Clinic at (254) 865-2166 and request a telehealth appointment for medical maintenance. If you are concerned or think you may have Coronavirus, please call our 24/7 Respiratory/COVID-19 Hotline (254) 248-6263 or take our screening tool https://coryellhealth.org/covid-19-screening.

“One unique layer of how we will successfully meet this challenge involves our mutual good citizenship.”

– Sheldon Chaffer, MD.

That means keeping 6 ft. apart from non-family members – is important to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. So is wiping down surfaces or objects where the virus can live and then be transferred by touch to the mouth, nose and eyes.

More things you can do-

• Staying home from work, school, and all activities when you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, which may include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
• Keeping away from others who are sick.
• Limiting close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet).

To learn more, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov. To get care, call us to schedule a telehealth visit at 254-865-2166.

Today, Coryell Health received the first positive COVID-19 test results on one of its patients.  The individual was triaged at Coryell Health Medical Clinic after self-reporting symptoms related to COVID-19. The patient was sent home while awaiting test results in self-isolation.

Coryell Health staff followed all standard precautions, accepted protocols and procedures to protect medical staff, employees, and patients.

David Byrom, CEO shared, “While we were hoping Coryell Health would not see a positive COVID-19 case, our diligent preparedness and education to all employees since the outbreak of this virus helped us limit this patient’s exposure to others. We have been in constant contact with the individual from the beginning and the individual remains at home and is recovering.”

Coryell Health launched a telehealth program to aid in social distancing and keeping our community safe, while continuing to provide quality medical care. Patients are encouraged to call the Coryell Health Medical Clinic to schedule a telehealth visit at (254) 865-2166.

Byrom reminds our community that is important now, more than ever, to continue the following:

DO’s:

• Continue recommended social distancing.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Call our COVID-19 Hotline if you think you may be sick
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Continue daily self-screening, including taking the temperature of everyone in household

DON’Ts

• Don’t go to work if you are sick.
• Don’t miss your routine medical care- schedule a Telehealth visit
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Coryell Health will continue to update the community on additional cases, as needed, on our website at, https://coryellhealth.org/press-releases/about-us/news/press-releases. Coryell Health has also established a 24/ 7 Respiratory/COVID-19 hotline for questions and for answers (254) 248-6263, as well as a respiratory screening tool on our website https://coryellhealth.org/covid-19-screening.

In an effort to keep our community safe while providing continuous medical care, Coryell Health has launched telehealth. Changing the way patients experience healthcare, telehealth provides access to our medical providers from the comfort of home.

At Coryell Health Medical Clinic, telemedicine is used to:

• Provide convenient access to medical services at home or assisted living facilities
• Help patients see a physician sooner and save valuable time
• Have medications electronically prescribed and sent directly to a pharmacy for pickup
• Provide access to medical providers who can virtually diagnose and provide support to patients

The innovative platform enables physicians to provide patients with a continuum of care and clinical services virtually anywhere. Patients benefit by having convenient access to medical providers through a real-time video connection over secure Internet-connected devices (computer, iPhone, iPad, Android). The virtual program allows our clinicians to safely, confidentially and securely conduct consultations and discuss exam results, recovery plans, treatment options and even electronically prescribe medications — all from a remote location.

Don’t miss your doctor’s appointments, not get your prescription refills or get sicker. Call us today at (254) 865-2166 to schedule a telehealth visit with one of our medical providers.

THANK YOU to the medical providers who risk their lives to protect others. #TeamCoryellHealth

Coryell Health infection control and safety training protocols for our healthcare workers incorporates processes for donning (putting on) and doffing (removing) personal protective equipment (PPE). “Protecting our healthcare workers and preventing the spread of infection to other patients requires that proper training for the procedure and safe work practices be carried out regularly,” said Heather Rambeau, Coryell Health Chief Nursing Officer.

The Coryell Health Advanced Wound Center is open and committed to ensuring the continuity of care for patients with wounds. We understand that some patients may be reluctant to leave home, but rest assured, we have stringent policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety of your patients and our staff.

We are following CDC infection control guidelines and are taking every precaution to mitigate transmission of the virus. Steps to protect patients and staff, include:

• Following CDC recommendations for COVID-19 screening
• Practicing social distancing in the common areas, such as waiting rooms
• Staggering patient appointments and arrival times
• Scheduling patients by acuity

Advanced wound care is essential – not elective – to protect the health of patients and prevent an escalation of their disease. Advanced wound care, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, is essential – not elective – to protect the health of patients and prevent an escalation of their disease. Podiatry has rescheduled all non-essential appointments, i.e. nail trimmings, elective procedures.

If you have questions about your appointment, please call Coryell Health Advanced Wound Center at 254-248-6204. if you have think you are showing respiratory symptoms including cough and/or shortness of breath with fever, please call our Respiratory Hot Line at (254) 248-6263, or you can take our COVID-19 online screening tool on our website.

As COVID-19 arrives in our region, I want to remind you that Coryell Health is here for you today, as we have been for 80 years.

Telehealth

Coryell launched telehealth capabilities to aid in social distancing and keeping our community safe, while providing quality medical care.  We are advising that any patient with respiratory symptoms including cough and/or shortness of breath with fever or who thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19, should call our hotline (254) 248-6263, and if needed, you can now have a telehealth visit with one of our doctors from your computer, iPad or phone. We will soon have a COVID-19 screening tool on our website. If you are having trouble breathing, or are having some other type of medical emergency, please call 911.

Infection Prevention Activities

Our hospital, clinics and long-term care facilities are safe. We have activated infection prevention protocols including restriction of visitors, only allowing medically necessary vendors inside, screening of everyone entering our facilities, as well restricting movement and groups within our facility.

Surpassing the required standards of care, we are meeting any patient suspected of having COVID-19 at their vehicle and screening them there, to keep them separated from other patients and staff.

Coryell Health is committed to being a resource for information and care, keeping you updated as we learn more. Your health is our priority. Our primary and specialty care clinics are open, taking appointments and caring for the medical needs of our community.

Now, we are calling on all Central Texans to respond appropriately and do your part. Avoid large groups as much as you can, especially if you are 60 years or older or have a chronic medical condition.  Wash your hands regularly and stay home if you are sick to protect yourself and others. It is important to check on your neighbors and if you or someone you know does not have internet or access to care, but needs medical attention please call us, we can help. We have the ability to expand our service to those that are isolated/quarantined by utilizing our EMS System, if needed in the future.

Coryell Health will continue to work with the Greater Central Texas community and our fellow health systems to ensure that our community is prepared and ready to protect themselves and their families. In the past, our staff has responded to extraordinary events in extraordinary ways, these same efforts are leading us today. Because, at the end of the day, you are not just our patients. You are our family, friends and neighbors.

We are proud to serve our community.

Thank you, David Byrom, CEO, Coryell Health

Call Ahead Before Seeking Medical Care ǀ Coryell Health Respiratory/COVID-19 HOT LINE: 254-248-6263

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or think you may be ill, please call our hot line before coming in. Coryell Health now has medical staff triaging calls from our hot line 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice.

If your symptoms worsen and you need to be seen by a provider, call ahead. Your advisor will give you special instructions and prepare for your arrival so they can provide you the care you need while protecting others.

Coryell Health welcomes Dr. Mukundan, board certified neurologist, with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions. She will be seeing patients in Coryell Medical Clinic, Building 2, for a range of issues including chronic disease management, stroke, epilepsy, and headaches. To schedule an appointment, call (254) 865-2166.

Dr. Mukundan completed a fellowship in neurophysiology and epilepsy at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center. She has authored various articles on neurological topics and her greatest area of specialization is the treatment of epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Dr. Mukundan also specializes in the diagnoses and treatment of headaches.

Dr. Mukundan attended medical school at Kilpauk Medical College in India. She completed her internship in internal medicine and residency in neurology at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio. Previously, she attended Tulane University for an internship and residency in psychiatry. She is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society.

When she was young, she always envisioned herself becoming a physician. After entering medical school, she was fascinated by different neurological conditions and determining the areas of the brain that are responsible to select the best treatments.
Dr. Mukundan is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of each patient. She states, “I like to place myself in their shoes and fully understand the concerns of my patients and their loved ones.”

Her favorite hobbies are spending time with family, listening to classical Indian music, painting and cooking.

Coryell Health has been closely monitoring recent events related to the spread of the COVID-19 novel Coronavirus. To reduce the spread of this disease and similar respiratory illnesses, beginning at 7am, Friday, March 13, 2020, Coryell Health will expand its existing patient concierge services by screening patients and family members for potential risk factors of COVID-19 at the front door of each of our facilities. Patients that are at risk will be offered further evaluation in a convenient drive-through setting that also maximizes protection of patients and Coryell staff. Patients with acute needs will be referred to the emergency department. Clinic hours have not changed and all patients are encouraged to continue receiving care and arriving for appointments as previously scheduled.

For further protection, patients will be allowed to have one family member accompany them for acute care visits, procedures or hospitalizations during the hours of 6am-6pm, but other family and friends of our hospital patients and long term care residents have been asked not to visit during this time in order to protect them from potentially dangerous illnesses. Visits to long term care residents that are medically necessary, or in the case of hospice patients, will be allowed after approval and screening by staff. As always, the goal of Coryell Health is to provide the best possible care in an environment that is safe for our patients, staff, and the entire community. Thank you for your understanding and support in reducing the spread of illness.